While home renovations are a great way to improve the look and functionality of your home, they can be expensive. Luckily, there are a variety of grants and rebates that can help offset the cost of renovation projects. These grants are designed to help homeowners achieve goals like improved energy efficiency and accessibility.
Grants and rebates can help with a variety of home improvements, including installing new windows, solar panels, roofs, and walk-in showers. If you’d like to make modifications to your home, then exploring the available funding options is worth your time. Let’s take a look at some of the options that can help make home improvements affordable.
Eloi_Omella/GettyWindow Replacement Grants
The government provides grants for replacing old windows with double-glazed ones because they want homeowners to make energy-efficient home improvements. Double-glazed windows consist of two panes of glass separated by a gap filled with air or gas. The layer of air or gas helps insulate your home and reduce your energy bills.1
If you want to replace old windows, then here are a couple of grants and incentives to help you get started.
- Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4): This is a government scheme that helps homeowners make energy-efficient improvements to their homes. Under this scheme, homeowners can receive grants for double-glazed windows if they meet certain eligibility criteria like receiving specific benefits or having a low income. ECO4 grants can also help with other energy-efficient improvements.
- Local Authority Grants and Rebates: Some local authorities offer grants or rebates for homeowners who install double-glazed windows. These grants and rebates can vary depending on where you live, so it’s worth checking with your local authority to see if they offer any support. Some local authorities may also offer interest-free loans for home improvements, including window replacement.2
Solar Panel Grants
Similarly, the government provides grants and incentives for solar panels. That’s because they want to encourage homeowners to lower their carbon footprint by embracing renewable energy sources. Beyond the environmental benefits, solar panels offer financial benefits. For instance, solar panels can help lower energy bills by up to 70%.3
If installing solar panels is cost-prohibitive, then these are a few grants and incentives to have on your radar.
- Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4): Under the ECO4 scheme, homeowners may be eligible for grants to install solar panels if they meet certain criteria. Eligibility is based on income or participation in certain benefits, including Pension Credit and Income Support.
- VAT Discount: If you install solar panels, then you may be eligible for a reduced rate of VAT. In fact, homeowners may be able to pay 0% VAT on energy-saving materials, including solar panels.
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Under the SEG, homeowners with solar panels can receive payments for any excess energy they generate and export back to the National Grid. This incentive can help offset the cost of installation and get you closer to the point where solar panels pay for themselves.
- Regional Grants: Some local authorities and regional governments offer grants for solar panel installation. These grants can vary depending on where you live, so it’s worth checking with your local authority to see if they offer any support.4
Roof Replacement Grants
Since roof repairs and replacements can promote energy efficiency and improve safety, the government provides grants to help cover the costs. A damaged or poorly insulated roof, after all, can lead to heat loss and increased energy use.
If your roof is damaged or aging, then it may be time to replace it. Here are a couple of grants that can help make replacing a roof more affordable.
- Home Repair Assistance Grant: This grant of up to £5,000 is offered by local authorities to homeowners who need assistance with home repairs and improvements, including roof repairs or replacements. The eligibility criteria and the amount of the grant can vary depending on where you live.5
- ECO4 Flat Roof Grant: Under the ECO4 scheme, homeowners can get help with the costs of installing flat roofs. Since flat roofs are more energy efficient than other types of roofs, the government wants to incentivize people to make the switch. Eligibility criteria include receiving certain benefits or having a low income.6
Bathroom Renovation Grants
Bathroom renovation grants are another financial resource the government and charitable organizations provide. Renovations like walk-in showers and baths can make bathrooms more accessible and easier to use, reducing the risk of accidents and allowing people to remain in their homes for longer.
If you or a loved one could benefit from a bathroom renovation, then here are a few grants to include in your research.
- Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG): These grants are provided by local authorities to help make homes more accessible. Home improvements can include bathroom renovations like installing walk-in showers or baths. Disabled Facilities Grants can cover up to £30,000 in renovations.7
- Minor Home Adaptations Grants: Some local authorities offer grants to help homeowners make small changes to their homes. For example, these grants can help with things like installing handrails or grab bars in bathrooms. This option can be useful for people with mobility issues who need extra support to use their bathroom safely.8
- Independence at Home Grants: The Independence at Home charity provides grants to people with long-term illnesses or disabilities to help them make adaptations to their homes. This can include bathroom renovations, such as installing walk-in showers or baths. Eligibility criteria include having a long-term illness or disability and having limited income or savings.9
The Bottom Line
These grants and incentives are just a jumping-off point to help homeowners get started on their search for financial assistance. There are many more resources out there, so it’s worth exploring grants, rebates, and other incentives to find the support that’s right for you.
Home improvements offer a variety of benefits, from improved energy efficiency and lower bills to increased safety and accessibility. By taking advantage of available grants and incentives, homeowners can make their homes more comfortable and functional places to live.